How long do dishwashers last?

Is your  dishwasher acting up again? You're not the only one. It's important to know roughly how long a dishwasher should last so you can schedule a tune-up or maybe even start shopping for a new one. But how do you know what's the right move for you?

Asurion Experts are trained and experienced with every major appliance, including your dishwasher. Here's their guide to the average lifespan of a dishwasher, how to extend it, and a few signs that it's time to book a repair.

How long should my dishwasher last?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years. So if you were texting on your BlackBerry® Storm the last time you bought a new one, you might want to keep an eye out for failing components. Unfortunately, no home appliance lasts forever, but with proper maintenance and repairs, you could extend your dishwasher's life by years.

Factors that affect your dishwasher's lifespan

Our dishwashers get used a lot. As yours ages, you may notice new issues or older ones that worsen. Consistent use slowly wears down the mechanisms within your appliance, leaving it vulnerable to all sorts of problems.

But like any home appliance, the more care and maintenance you provide, the longer it may last. To increase the lifespan of your dishwasher and avoid unwanted expenses, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid.

• Improperly loading or overloading
• Not scraping food before loading
• Washing items other than dishes
• Allowing calcium buildup

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Signs you need to repair your dishwasher

When your dishwasher starts acting up, it's essential to recognize the signs and take action. Here are a few of the most common and expert tips to address them.

Your dishwasher is making noise

Perhaps you've noticed a grinding or buzzing sound coming from your dishwasher. This common dishwasher issue isn't just annoying; it may also indicate a larger problem going on with your appliance. If you've tried some basic troubleshooting for a noisy dishwasher and are still hearing irregular sounds, it's probably time to contact an appliance repair pro. They'll be able to determine what's causing the noise and advise on whether your dishwasher will need to be repaired or replaced.

Leaks start appearing

If you keep seeing puddles appear after running your dishwasher, you shouldn't trust your appliance to do its job without ruining your floors or adjoining cabinets. Leaks can be the result of any number of internal issues—try out a few troubleshooting steps to determine the root of the leaky problem. If your leak is something relatively quick and inexpensive to replace, like a faulty rubber gasket, a repair is probably your best option. However, if something more severe, or multiple components seem close to failing, it may be time to start hunting for a new appliance.

Your dishes don't come out hot

Your dishwasher doesn't just clean your plates: it sanitizes them. A major step in your appliance's cleaning cycle involves heat, which kills any lingering germs or bacteria while drying your dishes.

If you've gone to put away your dishes and discovered that they're cold, soaking wet, or covered in water spots, a faulty dishwasher heating element could be to blame. While this problem can be fixed in newer models, most dishwasher repair technicians will recommend replacing your dishwasher, especially if it's older than 8 years.

Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?

Like any major financial decision, it's best to weigh every factor. If your dishwasher is only a year old and the issue appears to be relatively simple to fix, then a repair is probably the best option. But if your dishwasher is already 10 years old and experiencing tons of issues, replacing it may be the best way to go. Not sure how old your dishwasher is? Don't worry, we're here to help.

How to tell how old your dishwasher is

If you've recently moved into a new home, it may be hard to judge just how old the current dishwasher is. One easy way is via your appliances' nameplate. It's a small tag on your dishwasher that displays important information like the brand, model, and serial number. Once you've located this info, you can research the date of production for that model to find out how old your particular dishwasher is.

If you determine that your dishwasher is beyond repair and you're ready to purchase a new one, make sure it's protected from any future issues that may arise.